ABSTRACT
This chapter is a description of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in India, its convergence with other urban programs and policies launched around the same time, the institutional framework created for implementation of the SCM in India and examples from cities across India. It highlights specific characteristics in the SCM like citizen engagement, providing an environment for private enterprises and digital startups, collates various initiatives currently underway in India that are often touted as best practices and success stories and flags critical questions that are examined in subsequent chapters.
